The World of Courtesans c9.49

c9.49

In the *Brihatkathashlokasamgraha*, XI, the dance of Madanamanchuka reveals how such performances used to be arranged. The dance was arranged on the orders of Udayana. Naravahanadatta went to the venue of the performance accompanied by his friends and *nagarakas*. They entered the king's palace and after saluting him, sought to occupy their allotted seats round the throne. They saw the venue of the performance (*rangangana*) crowded with an appreciative audience (*kushalaprekshakulam*). The two dance-teachers saluted the king and informed him that the dancers were ready and awaited his permission to begin the dance. The king left the selection of the first entry to Gomukha, whose choice fell on Suyamunadatta. As soon as she came on the stage the clamour of the crowd subsided. Her dance received tremendous applause though the competition was actually won by Madanamanchuka.